The West Wing (2000-03) An Emmy juggernaut, the Aaron Sorkin brainchild won four straight best drama series Emmys — tying Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law for most wins in the category. The West Wing finished with 26 Emmys by the end of its seven-year run to join Blues as the most decorated dramas in Emmy history.

The Sopranos (2004) After playing the bridesmaid for five years, the mob saga finally claimed the top prize in 2004, becoming the first cable show to win the drama series award.

Lost (2005) Lost's big win was considered a major breakthrough for a sci-fi series — and a new one at that. The series, however, was surprisingly snubbed the next two years before returning to the nominee short list in 2008 and 2009.

24 (2006) The Fox thriller and Kiefer Sutherland enjoyed a big night as the series won five statuettes. Sutherland took home two: one for the show (he's a producer) and one for drama actor.

The Sopranos (2007) Getting a nice parting gift, The Sopranos became the first drama since Upstairs, Downstairs in 1977 to claim the top honor after leaving the air.

Mad Men (2008-09) Mad Men made history in 2008 as the first basic cable series to win best drama series and then repeated it in 2009 when it successfully defended its crown. Can Sterling Cooper make it a three-peat in 2010?

Will & Grace (2000) An Emmy favorite, the groundbreaking sitcom was nominated for 83 Emmys over its eight-year run, winning the top prize in 2000. The series is also notable as one of three sitcoms in which all of its main actors won Emmys (the others are All in the Family and The Golden Girls.)

Sex and the City (2001) You always remember your first time: The HBO series became the first cable program to earn comedy series honors. Half of the quartet of ladies — Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon — won their own Emmys, for lead and supporting comedy actresses, respectively, three years later.

Friends (2002) Eight years to the day of its series premiere, Friends finally took home its first and only comedy series Emmy for a renaissance season. Jennifer Aniston also won for lead comedy actress — the first time all six stars submitted themselves in the lead categories. (Previously they had all entered as supporting actors.)

Everybody Loves Raymond (2003) The TV academy finally showed its love for Ray & Co. after handing them four straight losses. Brad Garrett and Doris Roberts also won their second and third supporting Emmys, respectively. (The late Peter Boyle was the sole cast member never to have been awarded for his work.)

Arrested Development (2004) The quirky, little-seen comedy topped three past Emmy champs (Everybody Loves Raymond, Sex and the City and Will & Grace) and a frequent nominee (Curb Your Enthusiasm) for bragging rights. "This is so huge for us. You know what? Let's watch it," series creator Mitchell Hurwitz said in his speech.

Everybody Loves Raymond (2005) The dearly departed Raymond went out on top. With the victory, Raymond became one of six sitcoms to twice win the comedy series prize.

The Office (2006) The mockumentary-style series claimed only one statuette out of five nominations in its first year of eligibility — but it was the biggest one.

30 Rock (2007-09) Tina Fey's shrewd satire is 3-for-3 in the comedy series race and is the first sitcom to three-peat since Frasier triumphed for five straight years (1994-98). Ally McBeal finally dethroned the neurotic psychiatrist/radio host in 1999. Which show will knock off 30 Rock?